Monday, January 25, 2010

The night was always Abby Whitman's enemy. As a young girl she walked in her sleep, and one night, she started a fire that scarred her sister for life and left Abby with unbearable guilt . . . and a loneliness that echoes within her. Now Abby has begun blacking out again-with apparently fatal results. A car accident has killed the son of a prominent family. Even though the evidence seems to exonerate her, Abby is plagued by doubts-and soon by mysterious threats. Psychiatrist Dr. Jason Coble is intrigued by Abby and offers to help her explore the dark recesses of her mind. Through this terrifying journey, Jason's interest turns to passion, and he yearns to give her the love she craves. But first, Abby must trust him-and shed light on secrets that
will rock this Southern town and reveal a danger that threatens them both.

My Review:

Wow this one was a fast paced and terrifying read!

I love Jason and Abby together because they understand one another (I'm glad they didn't jump right into bed but waited) and he was willing to help her and not push her into something she wasn't ready for!

I thought Abby's sister was quite selfish and I'm glad she finally talked to Abby at the end about a secret!

The killer wasn't that fleshed out but I wouldn't want to be near him but he was great in manipulating people!

Friday, January 8, 2010

I've just finished reading "Death Swatch" the 6th book in her Scrapbooking series by Laura Childs.

From Publishers Weekly

A murder in the midst of Mardi Gras propels Childs's enjoyable sixth Scrapbooking mystery (after 2007's Frill Kill). Carmela Bertrand, the owner of the New Orleans scrapbook shop Memory Mine, and her best friend, Ava Gruiex, are eager to begin the festivities with a party hosted by their float designer pal, Jekyl Hardy. But the discovery of the garroted Archie Baudier, Jekyl's assistant, puts a damper on the fun. In their efforts to solve the murder, Carmela and Ava encounter a host of eccentric characters, including a sullen Russian, a rare coin dealer, a meek curator of the local historical society and all manner of costumed party-goers. Carmela, in the process of a divorce, also meets dapper police lieutenant Edgar Babcock, who might be unappreciative of her investigative efforts but provides some romantic heat.

From Booklist

Scrapbooking store owner Carmela Bertrand and her good friend Ava find float designer Archie Baudier as he lies dying, strangled with barbed wire at a Mardi Gras party. A friend of the victim's asks Carmela to find the murderer, so she begins an investigation into who would want Baudier dead. Is it a rival float designer or someone who wants his coin collection? The investigation quickly becomes a treasure hunt when Carmela learns that Baudier was searching for pirate Jean Lafitte’s legendary buried treasure. As the investigation proceeds, and as the soon-to-be-divorced Carmela deals with the romantic feelings she has for New Orleans police lieutenant Edgar Babcock, the city gears up for and then attempts to enjoy Mardi Gras in the wake of Katrina.

Product Description

Amid Zydeco rhythms and popping champagne corks, scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand is having a wild night at a Mardi Gras party-until she finds a float designer murdered on a balcony.

About the Author

Laura Childs is the bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mystery series and the Scrapbook mystery series, and a pseudonym for a Clio Award-winning advertising writer and marketing firm CEO. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

My Review:

Loving the development of Carmela's and Edgar's relationship! Glad she is giving Shamus the boot and always fun to read about Ava her best friend!

I really enjoyed reading this one because I've always been fascinated by pirates.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

I've just finished reading "Frill Kill" the 5th book in her Scrapbooking series by Laura Childs.

From Publishers Weekly

Memory Mine shop owner Carmela Bertrand finds herself caught up in New Orleans Halloween mayhem in Childs's sprightly fifth scrapbooking mystery (after 2006's Motif for Murder). In an alley behind her friend Ava Grieux's Juju Voodoo Shop, Carmela discovers the body of fashion model Amber Lalique, who was in the shop only moments earlier. The cops suspect Giovanni, Ava's sexy new tarot card reader, whose brother, Santino, is Amber's ex-boyfriend. Carmela and Ava become determined to uncover the truth and throw themselves headlong into danger, filling in as models for the big Halloween night unveiling of Moda Chadron's newest fashion creations, snooping around New Orleans and even venturing into the creepy bayou. Childs rounds out the story with several scrapbooking and crafting tips plus a passel of mouth-watering Louisiana recipes.

Product DescriptionSCRAPBOOKING TIPS AND RECIPES INCLUDED.

For Carmela Bertrand, a New Orleans shop owner who can turn any scrapbook into a treasure, this Halloween will feature more than the usual scares. On her way home from a ghoulish gathering, Carmela finds the dead body of a model—and is then attacked herself. Her leads are many, including animal tooth marks on the deceased’s neck. And as the witching hour draws closer, Carmela must find what’s lurking in the shadows—or get the fright of her life.

Monday, January 4, 2010

The year is 1934. With the country in the stranglehold of drought and economic depression, Ella Barron runs her Texas boardinghouse with an efficiency that ensures her life will be kept in balance. Between chores of cooking and cleaning for her residents, she cares for her ten-year-old son, Solly, a sweet but challenging child whose misunderstood behavior finds Ella on the receiving end of pity, derision, and suspicion.

When David Rainwater arrives at the house looking for lodging, he comes recommended by a trusted friend as "a man of impeccable character." But Ella senses that admitting Mr. Rainwater will bring about unsettling changes.

However, times are hard, and in order to make ends meet, Ella's house must remain one hundred percent occupied. So Mr. Rainwater moves into her house...and impacts her life in ways Ella could never have foreseen.

The changes are echoed by the turbulence beyond the house walls. Friends and neighbors who've thus far maintained a tenuous grip on their meager livelihoods now face foreclosure and financial ruin. In an effort to save their families from homelessness and hunger, farmers and cattlemen are forced to make choices that come with heartrending consequences.

The climate of desperation creates a fertile atmosphere for racial tensions and social unrest. Conrad Ellis -- privileged and spoiled and Ella's nemesis since childhood -- steps into this arena of teeming hostility to exact his vengeance and demonstrate the extent of his blind hatred and unlimited cruelty. He and his gang of hoodlums come to embody the rule of law, and no one in Gilead, Texas, is safe. Particularly Ella and Solly.

In this hotbed of uncertainty, Ella finds Mr. Rainwater a calming presence. She is moved by the kindness he shows other boarders, Solly...and Ella herself. Slowly, she begins to rely on his soft-spokenness, his restraint, and the steely resolve of his convictions.

And on the hottest, most violent night of the summer, those principles will be put to the ultimate test.

From acclaimed bestselling author Sandra Brown comes a powerfully moving novel celebrating the largess and foresight of a great bygone generation. It tells a story that bears witness to a bittersweet truth: that love is worth whatever price one must pay for it.

My Review:

I thought this one is Sandra's best book even though I have my favs by her.

The romance between David and Ella was sweet and there were two love scenes but they weren't graphic. I thought they were perfect for each other and they definately both needed each other.

The events they go through is true during this time period and there is alot of prejudice.

5/5

Thanks Loretta from Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciate it!